History
The line has been electrified at different times using three different systems, all of which used overhead lines to carry the electric current. The first system used was 1500 V d.c., commissioned in 1956, following the commissioning of the main line from London to Shenfield in 1949. This was to replace an intensive steam service. In the 1960s the line was converted to 6.25 kV, 50 Hz a.c. as part of the decision by the British Transport Commission to adopt 25 kV, 50 Hz a.c. electrification as the standard system rather than 1500 V d.c. electrification. The line did not immediately use 25 kV, due to problems with clearances under bridges. In 1979, the line was converted for a second time to 25 kV, 50 Hz a.c. following more research into the permissible clearances to structures.
Passenger services are currently operated by Greater Anglia. They took over from National Express East Anglia on 5 February 2012, who replaced previous operator First Great Eastern on 1 April 2004, when all the operators in East Anglia were merged into one new franchise.
Read more about this topic: Shenfield To Southend Line
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